6 openings + 1 closure in The Magic City this week

It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town.

From a new luxury bedding store to a family-friendly paintball experience, here are six businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, one we’re sadly saying goodbye to.

Now Open

1. Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta | Chelsea

Salvatore’s Pizza and Pasta has opened a new location in Chelsea, in the former home of Primo Pizza and Pasta on Highway 280.

This is the pizza joint’s fourth location in the Birmingham metro area and second spot on the 280 corridor. Last summer, the popular pizzeria opened its third location near UAB.

Salvatore’s is a Birmingham original, founded in 1984 by Italian immigrant Salvatore Bambinelli and now owned and operated by his daughters Sofia Izor and Christina.

• Location: 16064 US-280, Chelsea, AL 35043
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-8:30PM | Friday-Saturday 11:00AM-9:30PM

2. Boll & Branch | The Summit

Boll & Branch, a luxury bedding and home company known for its ethically sourced 100% cotton bedding, towels and more, is opening its first Alabama location at The Summit on Monday, June 2.

The store is located near Urban Outfitters, between Lovesac and Dear Prudence boutique.

• Location: 310 Summit Blvd #106, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-8PM | Sunday Noon-6PM

3. Alabama Paintball 280 | Highway 280

A new, family-friendly sports experience is now open in the Chelsea/Sterrett area: Alabama Paintball 280.

Here, they do paintball a little differently, specializing in low-impact paintball to encourage a fun environment for all ages 6+, regardless if you have any experience playing. The new location marks the third Central Alabama location, with two in Calera and McCalla.

• Location: 13211 US-280, Sterrett, AL 35147
• Hours: Saturdays 11AM-5PM
  • Open daily for private groups | Reservations required 
• Website | Facebook

4. Toddler Town Play Center | Fultondale

Toddler Town, now open in Fultondale, is an indoor play center for children ages 0-6. Here, toddlers can climb, crawl and discover alongside their peers while they grow their creative and social skills.

Before you attend, be sure to look over the play center rules.

• Location: 925 Decatur Hwy #121, Fultondale, AL 35068
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 9AM-6PM | Sunday reservation only
• Website

5. Taste It Restaurant & Grill | East Lake

Taste It, a new restaurant owned by Gabrielle Kennedy, is now open in East Lake. It serves a wide selection of Southern comfort food and sides, including ox tails, smothered wings, collard greens and mac ‘n cheese.

• Location: 8500 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206
• Hours: Check Instagram
• Website

Coming Soon

6. El Barrio + Paramount | West Homewood

Way back in early 2023, we reported that beloved Downtown Birmingham restaurants El Barrio and Paramount were included in a proposal for a new development in West Homewood.

More than two years later, the restaurants are putting the finishing touches on their highly-anticipated second locations at West Row. Features include ample parking, an outdoor patio, Paramount’s signature arcade games and much more—check out our sneak peek for details.

• Location: 195 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
• Opening: June 2025

Closing

7. Little Professor | Pepper Place

Little Professor is closing its Pepper Place location at the end of June, according to the most recent edition of its monthly newsletter.

“As a new long-term tenant was secured for our current space, we were given the opportunity to relocate within Pepper Place and have chosen not to do so at this time. We are hopeful that this is an opportunity to refocus on our flagship store, create space for thoughtful improvements and streamline operations for a season.

Being part of the Pepper Place family has been an incredible experience, and we’ve deeply valued the support, community, and collaboration that came with it. That’s what makes this a bittersweet transition, and closing the doors we worked so hard to open and sustain is not taken lightly.”

Jonathan and Meredith Robinson, Owners, Little Professor

Be sure to give them a visit this June at Pepper Place or catch them at their flagship store in Homewood:

• Little Professor Homewood: 2738 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:30AM-6PM | Sunday 10AM-5PM

Follow Bham Now on Instagram and Facebook and sign up for our FREE newsletter to stay up to date on this and many more exciting new additions to The Magic City!